The research, published in the journal Psychology of Addictive Behaviors, shows that meeting three basic psychological needs is associated with safer alcohol use. Dylan Richards, the corresponding author and an assistant professor at the University of Georgia, led the work co-authored by researchers from the University of New Mexico.
In two studies the team surveyed more than 3,000 college students combined. Students answered questions about alcohol use, drinking behaviours, and whether they felt autonomy, competence and connection. The survey asked how often they took safer actions, such as consuming drinks slowly, and how often they took riskier actions, such as not securing a designated driver.
A third study followed 1,700 adults in their 40s and 50s over two years. When alcohol severity rose or fell, reports of unmet psychological needs tended to change in the same direction. The researchers recommend that people reflect on choice, warm relationships and feelings of competence to better support those needs.
Difficult words
- research — Systematic study to discover facts or knowledge.
- survey — Set of questions to collect information from people.surveyed
- autonomy — Freedom to make your own choices.
- competence — Ability to do something well.
- connection — A feeling of closeness with others.
- severity — How serious or bad a problem is.
- unmet — Not satisfied or not fulfilled.
- designated driver — Person who stays sober to drive others.
Tip: hover, focus or tap highlighted words in the article to see quick definitions while you read or listen.
Discussion questions
- Do you think feeling autonomy, competence and connection can change people’s drinking habits? Why or why not?
- What simple actions could a college take to help students feel more choice, support and ability?
- Have you ever been a designated driver or seen someone act as one? How did that affect the situation?
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